New Sheriff's Patrol Boat Launched on Hudson River

Fri, 08/30/2013 - 08:58

[1]New York State Office of Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey and Sheriff Smith

Commissioner Rose Harvey of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith presided at a ceremonial launching of a new patrol boat on the Hudson River earlier today (Thursday).

The ceremony, held at the Cold Spring Boat Club marina, was attended by State Parks officials, law enforcement officers from several area agencies, boat club members and local residents. Patrol boats and crews from the State Park Police, Environmental Conservation Police, and the Counties of Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Putnam assembled in the marina for the occasion.

As those gathered looked on, Commissioner Harvey and Sheriff Smith climbed aboard to inspect the 2013 24-feet-long Boston Whaler Enforcer, which the State is furnishing for use by the Sheriff’s Office under an intergovernmental agreement. The new boat replaces another vessel that State Parks previously provided to the Sheriff’s Office for its use.

In his remarks, Sheriff Smith expressed his gratitude to Commissioner Harvey for the boat, which he said would enable sheriff’s deputies to continue their efforts to keep boaters safe. In turn, Commissioner Harvey thanked the members of the several marine law enforcement units who were present for their work in protecting the public on the waterways. The Commissioner also took the opportunity, citing the upcoming Labor Day weekend, to remind boaters to be safe and sober while enjoying themselves, and to wear life-vests.